Guests: Dr. Michael Simpson, Langdon Morris. Topics: International space cooperation & the new ATWG book, “International Cooperation For The Development of Space.” Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, https://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. We welcomed Dr. Michael Simpson and Langdon Morris to the program to discuss the new & important book, “International Cooperation For The Development of Space.” The book is available on Amazon.com at www.amazon.com/International-Cooperation-Development-Space-1/dp/1478186232/ref=onegiantlea20 and via Kindle @ www.amazon.com/International-Cooperation-Development-Technology-ebook/dp/B00941YBAG/ref=onegiantlea20. If you purchase this book through Amazon, a donation will be made to The Space Show/OGLF. As you will hear me say throughout our program, this book helps make a very strong case, especially to those outside the space community, for why space development is so important. I strongly urge you to read this book and to share it with as many as possible. As we started our discussion, Langdon Morris provided us with an overview of the book, including the purpose behind it, and the global mix of authors and viewpoints supporting international cooperative space development. We talked with Dr. Simpson about his Chapter 2: “Broadening The Base: Cooperation As A Springboard For New Participants In the Space Sector.” We learned about new countries being involved in space development, their requirements for getting involved in space which include economic growth, and the niche specialty areas being pursued by these new players. I asked about the absence of human spaceflight in the international cooperation discussion. This prompted a most interesting exchange with our guests on the subject, one you do not want to miss. Our guests provided us with great examples of real benefits flowing from international cooperative space development, including emergency services for disasters such as Katrina. We took listener calls suggesting international financial participation in cooperative space projects might make high ticket items more plausible such as SLS or a Mars mission. There was general agreement on this theory but as our guest pointed out, there still needs to be international agreement on the project and its management. Another benefit of international cooperation points to project stability over time.

In our second segment, Doug called in to ask about a two track system consisting of a public sector track and a second track for public/private partnerships. Our guests suggested the public/private direction would be more viable. Don’t miss their explanation for this approach. We talked about competition as compared to international cooperation. Our guests were also asked about the impact of ITAR on U.S. international cooperation. We talked about the Chinese space program and our guests were asked about the NewSpace segment.

Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can email our guests through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com.